Thank Dog We Made It

Sustainability in dogwear is shifting again — and it’s not about buzzwords anymore. It’s about craftsmanship, texture, and making things that last.In this episode, I talk about what 2026 really looks like for makers. From waxed canvas and natural fibers to small-batch production and the rise of reclaimed materials — this is where slow-made design meets practical dogwear.You’ll hear what I’ve learned testing my first waxed canvas project (spoiler: I used fabric that was way too light), and how that turned into a bigger plan for my 2026 Waxed Canvas Documentary Project.Whether you’re sewing for your own dog or designing patterns to sell, this one’s about creating with purpose — not pressure.Listen in and discover why slow-made is the new fast fashion.Mentioned:Our Social FabricFabCycleBlackbird FabricsDownload the Sustainable Fabric Guide for Dogwear Makers →Comment “Waxed Canvas” below if you want to be alerted when the doc series starts, and send me any questions or episode requests. Or email me: [email protected]

In this episode, I walk through the top three mistakes people make when resizing or grading dog coat patterns—and how I go about fixing them so coats fit comfortably across sizes and breeds.Top 3 Mistakes1️⃣ Stretching a pattern evenly instead of resizing it proportionally at the key grading points2️⃣ Not understanding functional ease — what it is, why it matters, and how to remove and re-add it correctly3️⃣ Starting with a complex pattern instead of mastering scaling on a simple one first (like the Cozy Coat!)Want to see how it’s done step-by-step?Watch the full video demo where Jill grades a pattern from a medium to a small and walks through each fix:👉 https://youtu.be/XwEoZn7uu3cResources Mentioned👉 Free Cozy Coat Pattern → https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com👉 Dog Size Chart → https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/dog-size-chart👉Scale Your Dogwear System (SYDS): How to Size and Grade Dog Wear Patterns for Every Breed → https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/grading-patterns-waitlistPodcast: Hackable or Headache - Picking the Right Pattern to ModifyQuestions or feedback? Email me: [email protected]

Puppies grow fast — here’s how to make a dog coat last longer with simple, grow-with-me adjustments.In this episode, I share practical, sustainable solutions for making dog coats that last longer through those puppy growth spurts. From Velcro and elastic to clever drawstrings and extension panels, I’ll walk you through how to adapt a simple pattern (like my free Cozy Coat) so your pup doesn’t outgrow it in weeks.Whether you’re sewing for a small terrier or a medium-sized poodle, you’ll hear tips for adjusting circumference, back length, and side coverage — plus my take on realistic expectations (spoiler: it’s not a forever coat, but it can last a lot longer).✨ Free Cozy Coat Pattern Package: https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/free-cozy-coat-pattern-package✨ Dog Size Chart (with breed examples):https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/dog-size-chart

Dog coat not fitting right? In this episode of Thank Dog We Made It, I walk you through the four key measurements every dog coat needs — and answer real questions about what to do when the fit just doesn’t look right.Here’s what you’ll learn:The tools you actually need for measuringHow to measure neck circumference, chest circumference, back length, and neck to withersWhy the neck to withers point is critical for belly band placementTroubleshooting coats that pinch under the arms or slip forwardHow to test your design with scrap fabric before cutting into the good stuffA special note for male dogs when designing belly bands🐾 Watch the full demo on YouTube: youtu.be/_5d8DYcJ638🐾 Download the free 4-Step Measuring Workbook: thankdogwemadeit.com/f/4-step-measuring-workbook🐾 Start sewing with the Cozy Coat Pattern Package (includes step-by-step videos): thankdogwemadeit.com/f/free-cozy-coat-pattern-package

Thank Dog We Made It is a podcast for makers and dreamers—those who love dogs, love design, and want to create dog wear that reflects both their style and their pup’s personality.I’m Jill Bartlett, and I’m here to help you explore your creativity, one stitch at a time. Whether you're brand new to sewing or ready to design your own line of patterns, I’ll guide you through each stage—from simple hacks to full-blown designs.Together, we’ll talk about fabric choices, fit, and function—but also about making slower, more sustainable decisions in a fast-paced world. Because making something with your own two hands—something that lasts, fits well, and brings joy—is powerful.This show is part how-to, part pep talk, and all heart.If you’re looking for a creative outlet that celebrates design, dogs, and doing things your own way—you’re in the right place.Come join the journey. New episodes every week(ish) at thankdogwemadeit.com.

In this episode, I’m sharing the struggles I had when I made my first dog coat—and how that led me to create the FREE Cozy Coat Pattern Pack.It’s a free bundle designed to make your first dog coat project way easier than mine was.We’ll talk about:Why I wanted to create a package that walks you through every step of making your first dog coatHow to measure your dog so you get the fit exactly rightHow to customize the free pattern to adjust it for your dog’s measurementsWhat’s inside the Cozy Coat Pack (pattern, measuring workbook, instruction guide, and how-to videos)Whether you’re brand new to sewing or just want a simple, beginner-friendly project you can make in an afternoon, this episode gives you everything you need to get started—with less guesswork and more confidence.📍Links Mentioned:🎁 Download the Cozy Coat Pattern Pack (Free)✂ Join the Hack Your Pattern Waitlist📸 Tag your creations on Instagram @thankdogwemadeit

Got design ideas that show up at the worst time—and vanish just as fast? In this episode, we’ll talk about building your “idea vault,” how to capture creative sparks before they disappear, and why sketching (not sewing) might be the key to your confidence.Links + Resources: Find the full show notes here:thankdogwemadeit.com/shownotes/16Grab the Hack Pack: thankdogwemadeit.com/f/hack-packSave, follow, and share if today’s episode helped you reconnect with your creative side.

A great dog coat fits well—but what if it also feels right? In this episode, I'm exploring how to design pet wear that reflects your dog's personality, not just their measurements. Whether you're making for your own pup or designing for others, I'll share how simple tweaks can turn a basic pattern into something bold, expressive, and uniquely yours.👉 Grab your free Dog Coat Sketch Templates to start sketching your next design today: https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/dog-coat-sketch-templatesResources & Links🎨 Free Dog Coat Sketch Templates: https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/dog-coat-sketch-templates✂️ Cozy Coat Base Pattern (hack-friendly): https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/courses/category/patterns🧵 Hack Your Pattern Course Waitlist: https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/hack-your-pattern-waitlist💬 Connect with Me on Instagram: @thankdogwemadeit🌐 Explore More Free Resources: https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/resources

Can AI really design dog wear? In this episode, I share what happened when I asked Stitch (my AI assistant) to hack one of my patterns—and what went hilariously wrong. You'll learn what worked, what flopped, and why your creativity still matters most. Plus, how to use AI as a design partner, not a shortcut.Resources and Links:📥Download the Dog Coat Sketch Templates (Free)🎁 Download the Dog Coat Sketch Templates + 4-Step Measuring Workbook (Free)🎓 Learn more about the Hack Your Pattern courseFind full shownotes and links on the website:https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/shownotes/14

Feeling like a fraud? You’re not alone. In this episode, Jill gets real about imposter syndrome—from not having a fashion degree to hesitating to share helpful content. She explores how empathy, not credentials, is the anchor that keeps her going—and why caring deeply might be your biggest strength as a designer.Resources and LinksCreative People GuideA free guide to help you connect with your creative circle and build confidence through community.💬 Mentioned in Episode:Join the Creative CircleTDWMI Courses & Free Resources: thankdogwemadeit.comInstagram: @thankdogwemadeit

"Is that extra zipper worth it?" In this episode, Jill shares the real cost—time, materials, and frustration—of hacking your designs, using her Cottage Comforts coat as a case study. If you're modifying patterns or designing your own, this is your reminder to weigh your ideas against what they’ll truly take to make.🛠 Resources & Links“From Dog Wear Sketch to Sellable Pattern” episodeCozy Coat PatternHack Pack (Free Guide)Hack Your Pattern Course – Join the Waitlist

Not every pattern wants to be hacked—and sometimes, it’s the pattern itself that’s holding your creativity back. In this episode, Jill walks you through how to choose the right base pattern to modify, what to avoid (especially if you're just starting out), and how to make sure your next pattern hack actually works.She shares real-world examples of how she transformed her Cozy Coat base pattern into everything from the Marley Davidson and Cottage Comforts to a Cooling Jacket and Thunder Wrap—and why those hacks worked. You’ll also hear the behind-the-scenes story of the custom-designed, patented MuckyDog Waders and what made that hack especially challenging.If you're ready to move beyond simple tweaks and confidently modify patterns in a way that feels creative and achievable, this one’s for you.📌 Mentioned in This Episode:💻 Join the Hack Your Pattern Waitlistthankdogwemadeit.com/f/hack-your-pattern-waitlist🧵 Get the Cozy Coat Pattern (includes full rights to modify and sell)thankdogwemadeit.com/courses/category/patterns🐶 MuckyDog Waders – Patent-pending dog garment mentioned in this episodemuckydog.com🎧 Listen to the Marley Davidson origin storythankdogwemadeit.com/shownotes/4

Ever wondered what comes after sewing your first dog coatWhether you're just starting or have been making dog wear for a while, there comes a moment when you think: Could I actually design something of my own? Not just tweak someone else’s pattern... but truly bring your own idea to life?In this episode, I walk through the journey many makers take—from hands-on sewing to exploring their own designs, and eventually digitizing and (maybe!) selling them. If you’ve ever felt that creative nudge, this episode will help you understand what your next step could be—and remind you that there’s no single right way to get there.Full Episode Details:https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/shownotes/10🎧 Related Episodes You Might Like:🔹 Hack Your Pattern – How to Start Thinking Like a Dog Wear DesignerSpotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7H11GywbpR3zsBXy4wHqc0Apple: apple.co/3WZ5tHg🔹 Plan Now, Sell More – Fall 25/26 Dog Wear TrendsSpotify: open.spotify.com/episode/10wBTnTGK2jVHVl8PeRkXVApple: apple.co/4dQsGLy🔹 Getting the Fit Right – Understanding Dog Chest ShapesSpotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1OrliEj7ybgI0sETm7go3iApple: apple.co/3JvD0Ho🔹 Advanced Measuring Techniques – For Pattern DesignersSpotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1LBi7S1oGm7yiHjCxe8ejDApple: apple.co/4dQRVOY

Feeling stuck in your dog wear business? Maybe it’s that sense you’re on the wrong path—or that you’re craving something different. In this episode, I share how I pivoted through four business models—from custom-fit coats to knitting patterns to a membership—before finally finding the niche that truly fit. If you're a maker, designer, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you rethink “failure” and recognize when you're heading in the right direction.Resources and LinksThe Mel Robbins Podcast featuring Jay Shetty that really helped reinforce some of the ideas I share here. It’s called “A Process for Finding Purpose: Do THIS to Build the Life You Want."You can listen to it here.

In this episode, Jill shares the heartfelt story behind the Cottage Comforts coat – a design inspired by her late mother’s cozy red plaid jacket. From that first spark of inspiration to creating a pattern that others can sew, Jill walks through the entire process of bringing a dog wear design to life.Links & Resources:📖 Read the blog on this episode – See more details on how this coat came to be and how it looks on Scout. Read the Blog Post📏 Download the Free Dog Coat Sketch Templates – Get started with your own design using these simple front and side templates. Perfect for sketching out your next dog wear idea. Download Here✨ From Patterns to Profits Course – Ready to take your designs further? Learn how to grade, digitize, and package your patterns to sell. Join the Course Here

If you’ve ever tweaked a dog wear pattern, imagined your own design, or thought, “Someone should totally make a pattern for this,”—this episode is for you.Jill shares how running a monthly pattern membership opened her eyes to the moment people shift from maker to designer—and how you might already be further along than you think.Links & Resources:📖 Read the full blog post:https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/blog/from-maker-to-dog-wear-designer🎓 Join the Patterns to Profits waitlist:⁠https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/patterns-to-profits⁠🖥️ Free Illustrator Cheat Sheet for Pattern Makers⁠:https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/illustrator-cheat-sheet-for-pattern-makers

✨ Episode SummaryYou measure carefully, sew everything beautifully — and somehow, the coat still doesn’t fit right.Sound familiar? You’re not alone.In today’s episode, I’m sharing how basic measurements like neck, chest, and back length only tell half the story — and why adding a few extra steps to your measuring process can completely transform the fit, comfort, and adaptability of your designs.Whether you’re making simple coats or developing more advanced patterns, this episode will help you see why better measuring is the key to better design.Why most dog wear fit issues aren't caused by bad sewingThe critical moment I realized standard measurements weren’t enoughHow finding the Withers point changed everythingWhat the 10-Step Measuring System includes — and why it mattersWhy smarter pattern design is better than custom-fitting every dogHow better measuring leads to flexibility, adjustability, and more professional patternsReal-world examples of how measurements like front height and withers position affect coat fitHere are a few key moments from this episode:[00:00] – Why your careful measuring might still lead to bad fitI share the hidden mistakes that cause so many fitting issues.[00:30] – The missing piece in basic dog measurementsWhy neck, chest, and back length don't tell the full story.[01:52] – Quick Spring Giveaway reminder: Final week to enter!Your last chance to win full access to the Cozy Coat Course and Hack Pack.[02:49] – The breakthrough: discovering the Withers pointHow one extra measurement made my early designs fit better.[03:50] – Why I had to create my own 10-step systemNo guidebooks existed — so I built my own system through real-world fittings and trial and error.[05:19] – Smarter pattern design vs. custom-fitting every dogWhy better measuring leads to flexible, scalable patterns (and a much better business model).[06:48] – Real-life examples: Dobermans, deep-chested dogs, and why extra measurements matterHow understanding structure can completely change how a coat fits.[07:51] – Your next step: Grab the free 10-Step Measuring Workbook and Video GuideA free printable workbook and full video series to help you measure like a pro.Download the Free 10-Step Measuring Workbook and Video Guidehttps://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/dog-wear-measurements-made-easyRead the Full Blog Post:thankdogwemadeit.com/blog/10-steps-to-better-fitting-dog-wear-master-measuring-like-a-proConnect with me:Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook — @thankdogwemadeitOr email me directly at [email protected]

Ever finished sewing a dog coat and thought, “Next time, I’d make the belly band longer” or “I wish this had pockets”?That little voice? That’s your inner designer—and this episode is all about giving it a microphone.In this episode, I’m walking you through the idea of pattern hacking—what it means, how it helped me transition from maker to designer, and how you can start making bolder, more personal design decisions with every pattern you touch.You’ll hear the story of my very first hack (spoiler: it involved a too-short coat, a skirt, and a totally unnecessary but totally rebel hoodie shat), and how that one tweak led to a whole new way of designing for dogs—including my Easy Rider fringe jacket and the best-selling Alpine Coat with built-in harness.If you’ve ever felt like a pattern didn’t quite fit your vision, or if you're ready to move from “maker” to “designer,” this episode will give you both inspiration and permission to do just that.Why small tweaks = big design confidenceExamples of beginner-friendly dog coat hacksHow I turned one base pattern into several best-sellersWhy identity-driven design matters more than “perfect” sewingThe mindset shift that helped me build my business📏 Grab the Measuring Guide + WorkbookThe method I developed after learning the hard way that Scout was longer than most dogs.➡️ https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/4-step-measuring-workbook🎨 Download the Free Cozy Coat Hack PackA printable design board, dog sketch templates, and real Cozy Coat hack examples to get your creativity flowing.➡️ https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/hack-pack🧵 Get the Cozy Coat PatternMy go-to base pattern for all sorts of design experiments.➡️ https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/courses/category/patterns🎓 Explore the Cozy Coat CourseGet the full pattern plus step-by-step lessons on measuring, sewing, and customizing your coat.➡️ https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/courses/cozy-coat-course📝 Read the Full Blog Post for This EpisodePrefer reading? Catch all the highlights and inspiration from this episode in blog form.➡️ https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/blog/hack-your-patternHave you hacked one of your dog coat patterns before?What’s one thing you’d love to try adding, changing, or redesigning?Tag me on Instagram @thankdogwemadeit or send me a DM—I’d love to see your sketches, ideas, and finished designs!✂️ In This Episode, You'll Learn:🧰 Resources & Links Mentioned:💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

What do biker jackets, 1950s rebel films, and a ride down the California coast have to do with dog coat design?In this episode, I share the story behind one of my most popular creations—the Marley Davidson, a bold, stylish dog coat inspired by the grit and swagger of vintage motorcycle culture. You'll hear how a feeling from my past turned into a pattern that resonated with customers and how I later adapted the look using my Cozy Coat base pattern.I’ll also walk you through why sketching matters, how I turned the design into something functional and fashion-forward, and how you can take your own ideas from spark to pattern.If you’re designing your own dog wear—or dreaming about it—this episode is for you.🧵 SHOW NOTES & LINKSFree Planner – Plan Your Dog Wear Designs with ConfidenceSketch templates, layout space, and prompts to help bring your ideas to life:https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/plan-your-dog-wear-designs-with-confidenceCozy Coat PatternThe base pattern I go back to again and again—clean, functional, and fully customizable:https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/courses/category/patternsCozy Coat CourseLearn how to sew the Cozy Coat from start to finish—including custom variations:https://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/courses/cozy-coat-course🏍️ Inspiration for the Marley Davidson DesignHarley-Davidson Victory Lane Leather Jackethttps://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/mens-victory-lane-ii-leather-jacket/p/98000-23VMHarley-Davidson Men’s Generations Jackethttps://www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/mens-generations-jacket/p/98162-21VMMarlon Brando in The Wild Onehttps://www.gettyimages.com/photos/marlon-brando-the-wild-oneJames Dean in Rebel Without a Causehttps://www.gettyimages.com/photos/rebel-without-a-cause

Ever had a dog coat that should have fit perfectly—only to find it rides up under the dog's front legs or hangs way past the tail? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most overlooked details in dog wear design: chest shape.I’ll walk you through the three most common chest types (Barrel, Deep, and Round), share personal stories from real-life fitting fails (and fixes!), and explain why chest width, front height, and neck-to-withers measurements are just as important as chest circumference.Whether you're sewing for your own dog or designing patterns to sell, this episode will help you understand how to get a better fit—and avoid common mistakes.💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why chest circumference isn’t enough to ensure a proper fitHow posture and chest shape affect coat lengthThe 3 main dog chest types and how to spot themThe measurements you really need to takeHow to adjust your patterns for a better fitA visual tip using rectangles, ovals, and circles to identify chest shapes🛠️ Resources & Links Mentioned:📖 Blog Post – Pawsome Fit Guide: Dog Chest Shapeshttps://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/blog/dog-chest-shape📝 Download the Free Measuring Workbookhttps://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/4-step-measuring-workbook🎥 Watch the Step-by-Step Measuring Video (featuring Scout!)https://scouterwearclub.newzenler.com/courses/11-steps-to-measure-your-dogLet’s Connect:Have questions or your own story to share about dog coat fit? I’d love to hear it!Add a comment below, DM me on Instagram @thankdogwemadeit, or send a message through my website.If you enjoyed this episode:Please follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes, and feel free to share it with someone who’d love it too. Leaving a quick review also helps others find the show!Talk soon,Jill

In this episode, I’m sharing the not-so-secret ingredient behind nearly every big leap I’ve made in my business: community. From weekly virtual calls with fellow creatives to local workshops and the amazing energy of my small group accountability circle—this episode is all about why surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference.I’ll take you behind the scenes of what helped me go from custom dog coat maker to educator and digital course creator, and I’ll give you real examples of how community played a key role in launching From Patterns to Profits, building Thank Dog We Made It, and finding the courage to keep going—even when things felt hard.If you’ve ever felt like you're building your business in a vacuum, this one’s for you.In this episode, I talk about:The power of virtual accountability partnersHow BNI helped me grow my confidence (even as an introvert)Learning from my sister’s community-building approach on social mediaWhere to find creative communities both online and locallyWhy you shouldn’t try to do this alone—and how to find your peopleResources & Links:Read the blog post that inspired this episode:The Power of Community – Why Surrounding Yourself with the Right People MattersGrab the free guide:Where to Find Your Creative People – A Guide to Accountability & Community for Dog Wear Designers Enjoying the podcast?Be sure to follow or subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if this one resonated with you, leaving a quick rating or review helps more creative entrepreneurs find the show—and join this amazing community we’re building together.

If you're planning to sell dog wear patterns this fall, it's time to get ahead—because successful designers aren’t waiting until September to start.In this episode of Thank Dog We Made It, I’m sharing why spring is the best time to start designing, testing, and preparing your dog wear patterns for the fall/winter 2025/26 season—and how to do it without the last-minute chaos.We’ll cover:Fall/Winter 25/26 dog wear trends: top fabrics, colours, and stylesEco-friendly materials like Softshell, Dintex, RPET, and recycled fleeceHow to design smarter, starting with a solid base pattern (like my Cozy Coat)Tools for digitizing and grading patterns (Illustrator, GIMP, Inkscape)Why fit testing matters and how to measure dogs the right wayWhat makes a pattern “market-ready” with instructions, PDFs, and photosWays to build buzz before your pattern even goes liveThis episode is for both new and experienced pattern designers who want to stay inspired, organized, and sell with confidence this fall.SHOW NOTES & LINKSFree Download: 25/26 Dog Wear Trend & Pattern Planning Workbookhttps://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/f/plan-your-dog-wear-designs-with-confidenceCozy Coat Base Patternhttps://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/courses/med-cozy-dog-coat-patternFall/Winter 2025/26 Dog Wear Trends Bloghttps://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/blog/2025-26-dog-wear-trendsMeasuring Dogs & Understanding Anatomyhttps://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/blog/measuring-dogs-and-understanding-anatomyDigitizing Dog Wear Patterns with Illustratorhttps://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/blog/digitizing-dog-wear-patterns-with-illustratorGrading Rules for Dog Wear Patternshttps://www.thankdogwemadeit.com/blog/grading-rules-for-dogsEnjoyed the episode?Share it with your fellow dog wear designers and tag me @thankdogwemadeit on Instagram.Subscribe for more tips on designing, digitizing, and selling your patterns.